



•*:: 



THIE 



'-Ht^Ii 



€HI€DIf OHOLll^A 







'^^il M& 



lllllliti 



^ 



A TREATISE GIVING 



The Cause, Symptoms, Prevention, 



m^m M^WMMMiMm^mM 



—OF- 



CHICKEN CHOLERA 



Br M, I, 'mm&s 

BURBANK, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. 



^a 



i 




WEST SALEM, 0: 
BUCKEYE FARMER PRINT, 
1875. 







( 

\ 



THIE 



i^d 



) 




|WWNT« 




tin 



m 



ATEEATISE GIVING 



The Cause, Symptoms, Prevention, 



^MM mMTMMMEMmWE&M 



—OF- 



CHICKEN CHOLERA- 



BURBANK, WAYNB COUNTY, OHIO. 



"* ,H9uiA0 C' 



WEST SALEM, 0: 

BUCKEYE FARMER PRINT, " 

1875. 



1 



Bntered according to act of Oongreas, in the year 1875, by 
A. J. HILL, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



/s 

^ 



...-' 






mTRODUCTION. 



TCN placing this little work before the public, it is proper 
SL ^^ftt a ^^^ statements be made by way of introduction. 
I hay e made cholera among fowls the subject of much study 
and investigation, and the conclusions reached are present- 
ed in this work. 

We may hope to be successful in our efforts to prevent 
and cure this disease when we have correct and well de- 
fined ideas as to its causes I have thought that this was a 
matter of considerable importance, for it is obvious that in 
proportion as we are able to trace this disease to its source 
we may expect to prevent or extinguish its cause. From 
these considerations I have been particular to make the 
cause of the disease a subject of careiul investigation. 

The various subjects presented are arranged and divided 
so as to be easily comprehended, and convenient for refer- 
ence. 

It is believed that a work of this kind is needed — a work 
that is short and right to the point, and a work that is ex- 
clusively devoted to the subject of chicken cholera. 

It is presumed that some mistakes have been made, but 
it is believed that they are of such a nature as not to es- 
sentially affect the value of the work. 

I wish to acknowledge the favors that I have received 
from W. H. Todd, the veteran breeder, and Editor of the 
Poultry Nation. Knowing that I was preparing a work of 
this kind he has kindiy given me much encouragement and 
advice. The work was pretty well advanced, yet some of 



TEE CHICKEN CMOLERA 



his thoughts and ideas have been used. It is believed that 
poultry breeders will find it to their interest to give this 
work such favor as will bring it into general use. 

Nearly every breeder in the country feels that cholera, 
and the fear of it, is an obstacle to the increase of the poul- 
try interest, and that we need a treatise on that disease, 
that is more definite, and reliable, than anything that we 
now have. One of Mr. Todd's letters refers to this matter, 
and I will close my remarks and give an extract from his 
letter. 

A. J. Hill, Burbauk, Wayne Co., Ohio. 



^*A treatise on cholera is very important, and in publish- 
ing your work you are on the right track. I have no 
doubt it will be of great value. I hope you will be able to 
give the public something valuable on cholera, for this 
scourge, and the dread of it, is a formidable barrier to the 
increase of the poultry interest, preventing many from 
keeping fowls who would otherwise enjoy it. 

I would say search diligently and be as thorough as you 
can on the subject. No danger of too much being known 
on cholera." W. H. Todd. 

Vermillion, 0. 



i 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 



r 



Chicken CholGra,--Its Cause. 

;HICKEN cholera is alarmingly on the increase in 
many parts of the country, sweeping off large num- 
bers of fowls every year, occasioning not only much loss, 
but ^reat discouragement to poultry breeders and others. 
The cause of this disease should be ascertained if possible 
and removed, and then the effect will cease. The following 
pages will be exclusively devoted to the subject of chicken 
cholera — its cause, symptoms, prevention, and extermina- 
tion. 

The limits of this work will not permit any extended 
argument on the question of its cause, but I claim to have 
sufficient evidence to warrant me in saying that it is local. 
Wherever the disease prevails, right there is where its 
cause exists ; and there is the place where its cause was 
generated, unless infectious matter had been introduced by 
diseased fowls or otherwise. 

Where a flock of fowls are exempt from this disease, it is 
because certain conditions that are necessary to the pro- 
duction of its cause, or to give it a favorable opportunity 
to act do not exist. 

A special cause is undoubtedly necessary to the product- 
ion of this disease, but there arc various agents and influ- 
ences that act as co-operating causes. By removing as far 
as possible all co-operatii'g causes, the special cause in 
most cases may be rendered to a great extent inoperative, 
for the co-operating causes and the special cause of this 
disease are like the two bJudes of a pair of scissors — "con- 



TEE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



joined they are effective, but disunited they effect nothing." 
Fowls that are in a low, unthrifty eondition are in juBt 
the right shape to be acted upon by the special cause ot 
cholera ; it is therefore proper to class all agents and influ- 
ences that tend to produce that condition as co-operating 
causes of that disease ; and wherever cholera prevails, in- 
vestigation will show that the special cause is, in most 
cases, aided by one or more of the co-operating causes. 

I. THE CO-OPERATING CAUSES OF CHOLERA. 

As already stated, there are many conditions and influen- 
ces that have an unfavorable influence on fowls, and they 
are classed as aiding causes of cholera ; some of the prom- 
inent ones are as follows : — Want of suflScient shade in hot 
weather, exposure in cold weather, hen lice, drinking im- 
pure water, or a lack of a plenty of pure water, or a laek 
of gravel and alkali, unwholesome food, keeping the fowls 
either too fat or too poor, or not giving them a sufficient 
variety ol food, damp filthy and poorly ventilated yards 
and fowl houses, and want of sufficient sun-light in their 
rooms, and a lack of sufficient exercise from too close con- 
finement. 

But there is one fact that I wish to make prominent and 
it should be remembered ; and that is, that the co-operating 
causes, singly, nor all together, are the real cause of chicken 
cholera. They are simply aids ; and the part that they act 
is chiefly in putting the fowls in that condition where they 
can be effectively acted upon by the special cause of that 
disease. In most cases where the conditions are such that 
a considerable amount of the special cause has been pro- 
duced, there will be a sufficient number of general causes 
ready to aid it, and unless means are used to destroy, or 
weaken the special cause, and to remove or lessen the aid- 
ing fiauBos, cholera will be the result. 



FEEYENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR, 



II. THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OP CHOLERA. 

The existence of one specific cause may be inferred from 
the specific and distinctive character of the disease ; its phe- 
nomena is so distinctive, and so uniform that it must have 
a specific and uniform cause. The arguments of the high- 
est authorities in medical science bring us to such a conclu- 
BiOQ ; and this conclusion has such an important bearing on 
the question under consideration that it should be emphasiz- 
ed; and with that object in view the statement will be varied 
a little and repeated — the pathology of this disease is so dis- 
tinctive and specific that it cannot be produced by any 
general cause, nor by a variety of causes, n©r by any combi- 
nation of general causes. It must be produced invariably 
by one cause — a cause that is as specific and uniform as the 
disease that it produces. The oo-operating causes have no 
influence whatever in giving the disease its distinctive 
character, for that is wholly derived from the peculiar na- 
ture of the specific cause. 

Our knowledge of this invisible agent is limited, but from 
certain data we arrire at Some pretty definite conclusions 
in regard to its nature, its source, and the modus operandi 
by which it gives rise to morbid manifestations. 

The special poison that produces this disease is peculiar 
in its nature, and it differs very much from the miasm that 
produces cholera, in man. The latter is migratory in its 
nature, the former is not. The special cause of cholera in 
man is suppesed to be produced in the place from which it 
takes its point of departure, and it is then transported from 
place to place through the atmosphere. 

There is sufficient evidence to show that the poison that 
produces chicken cholera is generated on the premises where 
the disease prevails, and that it remains mostly local unless 



THE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



carried abroad by other moans than the atmosphere. 

Chicken cholera is contagious, Asiatic cholera is not. 
The two diseases are dissimilar in many other respects, but 
we omit any further comparison. 
. I have made the etiology of this disease among fowls the 
subject of much study and research ; I have studied it in 
all its bearings, and have investigated and experimented 
until certain conclusions have been reached, and it is be- 
lieved they are based on reason and fact. I have some knowl- 
edge of general and special pathology, and it is my opinion 
that the character of this disease is nearly the same as ty- 
phus dysentery in men. They have a close resemblance to 
each other, and there is evidence to show that the specific 
cause of both diseases are generated by the operotion of 
the same law. For these reasons and others that have been 
given, I think that the name of chicken cholera is a misno- 
mer. 

The disease to which chicken cholera is so closely allied 
is infectious, and by that means, and by fomiies, it may bo 
diffused abroad ; but otherwise it is not migratory, and its 
Specific cause has a local origin. These peculiarities will 
apply to chicken cholera and its specific cause. It is not 
only contagious, but it is quite clear that damp grain and 
other food can be sufiiciently infected to communicate the 
disease to fowls that should eat it ; and if this foodwere com- 
pletely infected and excluded from the air it might be car- 
ried for miles and fed to fowls with the same result. 

In writing on typhus disease a prominent medical author 
says : "Facts appear to render it highly probable that the 
disease is developed as a consequence of over-crowding and 
deficient ventilation ; in other words, that the concentrat- 
ed emanations from the bodies of healthy persons may suf- 
fice for the generating of typhus miasm." 

He goes on to show that this poison, aroneratcd from the 



PRE VENTl VE AN I) EXTERMINA TO R. 9 

concentrated emanations from numan bodies, is the special 
cause of typhus disease in prisons, hopitals, work-houses, 
ships, unventilated tenement houses that are crowded with 
occupants, and in military camps. 

When human habitations are poorly ventilated and over- 
crowded, diseases of various kinds will be the results of the 
unwholesome emanations; and when the emanations be- 
come sufficiently concentrated the typhus poison will be 
generated. The virulence and fatality of the typhus disease 
that will follow, will be in proportion to the amount of poi- 
son present, and the influence of co-operating causes. 

In my opinion this is a plain solution of the question un- 
der consideration — the cause of chicken cholera. If too 
many fowls are kept together, or if there is insufficient 
ventilation of their houses and yards, there will be an ac- 
cumulation, and a concentration of the emanations from 
their bodies, which, when in a mild form, will be capable of 
producing 7nany of the diseases that fowls are subject to. 
If a further concentration be permitted,. the point will bo 
reached when a new substance will be produced — a specific 
poison will b^ generated, and if aiding causes are favorable, 
cholera will bo the result, and the elements of infection 
will be in active operation. 

As has been stated, it is quite probable that this poison 
is produced, by the operation of some law of nature, from the 
concentrated emanations from the bodies of the fowls ; and 
the concentration is the result of over-crowding and insuffi- 
cient ventilation. But there is no doubt that dampness, 
filth, and many other influences often have much to do in 
making the conditions favorable for its generation. 

After having been produced, this deleterious substance 
will quickly have its effect on those fowls that are in a suit- 
able condition to bo acted upon; some will be able to resist 
its influence, or at least for awhile; and so the disease will 
go on, rapid or slow, violent or mild, according to aiding 
influenc<^s and the jimonnt of poison present. 

It is impossible lo tell just how this specific acts in ordci' 



10 TSE CHIQKEN CROLEBA 



to produce the various phenomena of chicken cholera, but 
from the distinotire character of the disease, we have a 
right to attribute it to a toxical origin. 

Wherever cholera prevails the conditions are such as to 
favor the production of the specific that has been referred 
to, and it is reasonable to suppose that it produces the dis- 
ease. 

The theory that has been advanced will not suffer by be- 
ing applied to any given case where fowls are kept, for it 
can easily be harmonized with any existing faot ; at 
least the solution will be no more difficult than it often is 
in other cases of disease that have a recognized and specif- 
ic origin. 

If the disease prevails where but few fowls are kept, 
iiome of the co-operating causes will be found to be in ac- 
tive operation, inviting and aiding the specific cause to 
make the attack. If the fowl-house and yards are small, 
damp, and poorly ventilated it is rsasonable to suppose 
that the emanations might be sufficiently concentrated to 
admit of the poison being generated. 

Where a large number are kept togetherjand they are 
exempt from the disease, it is because the emanations have 
not been permitted to accumulate and conoentrate suffi- 
ciently to admit of the poison being formed,|or not formed 
in sufficient quantity to produce the disease, not having the 
necessary assistaance of aiding causes. 

Cholera sometimes prevails where fowls are not regularly 
housed but seek their roosting places in the open air and 
elsewhere. On making an examination of the surround, 
ings a satisfactory solution of the maiterjwill generally be 
obtained. Such cases are generally where a large number 
of fowls are kept and many of them during night and in 
stormy weather are huddled together in small and unsuita- 
ble places ; and some of those resorts no doubt are in such 
a condition as to favor the production of the cholera poi- 
son. 



PRE YEN TI VE AND EX TERM IN A TOR. 1 1 

: - ; 

The infectious miasma emanating from fowls that have 
the cholera rarely communicates the disease exoept to 
fowls that are in the immediate vicinity ^ for concentration of 
the miasm is generally necessary. 

There is no question connected with the subject of Chick- 
en Cholera that is of more importance for the poultry 
breeder to understand, than that which relates to its cause. 
The disease does not come by chance — it is the natural re« 
suit of certain irregularities. This is a thinking, inventive 
age, and when we are able trace this disease to its source, 
then we may expect to be able to prevent, and to stay its 
ravages. But it is important that our ideas of its cause be 
clear, definite, and correct. We repeat that a knowledge 
of the cause of this disease is highly important in a prac- 
tical view, because if measures are employed with a view 
to prevent, or to exterminate the disease, they mnst be 
based on the correct theory of its cause in order to be ef- 
fe otual. 

The various phenomena of the disease are of such a char- 
acter that we mu6t recognize them as having a specific ori- 
gin ; and in order to be successful in our efforts to prevent 
the disease, we must go a step further — we must understand 
what that specific cause is, and what are the conditions nec- 
essary to its production. 

The theory that has been presented in the preceding re- 
marks is believed to be founded on fact, and that it is in 
harmony with the observations of those who have noted the 
workings of the disease, and who have had their attention 
epecially called to this matter. 



12 THE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



Ths Symptoms of Gholsra. 

HE symptoms of chicken cholera are not well under- 
stood by the people generally, and it is probable that 
some men have that disease "on the brain," so much so that 
whenever they lose fowls by any unusual disease that they 
do not understand, to attribute their death to cholera. 
Many fowls go to their grave (so to speak) by other dis- 
eases and cholera ig blamed for sending them there. 

Every one who keeps fowls should be able to distinguish 
cholera from other diseases, for without such knowledge 
intelligent treatment is impossible. 

Some of the prominent external symptoms will be given, 
aijd so far as known the morbid condition of the internal 
organs, and the pathological character of the disease. 



I. THE EXTEENAL SYMPTOMS. 
The fowl has a dejected, sleepy and drooping appearance 
and does not plume itself, is very thisty, has a slow stalk- 
ing ^ait and gaps often. Sometimes the fowl staggers and 
falls down from great weakness. The comb and wattles 
lose their natural color, generally turning pale, but some- 
imes they are dark. There is diarrhea with greenish dis- 
charge, or like sulphur and water, afterwards it becomes thin 
nd frothy. Prostration comes on, the crop fills with mu- 
is and wind, and at last the food is not digested, breathing 
heavy and fast, the eyes close and in a few hours the fowl 
es. 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOB, 13 

When fowls die it is very easy to say that they died of 
cholera and so let it go, but if the symptoma were not sub- 
stantially as given above, an autopsy would show that it 
was not that disease. 



IL THE MOEBID CONDITIOlSr OF THE INTERNAL 

OEGANS. 

On dissecting a fowl that has died of cholera the gizzard 
will be found filled with dried-up food, or sometimes with a 
greenish matter, and the crop will be inflated with sour 
mucus and food. The liver will be much enlarged and flab- 
by, and so tender that it will easily mash in the hand ; and 
it is generally much congested. The crop and intestines 
are much inflamed, and the latter are filled with a green- 
ish matter. The heart is sometimes enlarged. 



III. THE PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTER OP THE 

DISEASE. 

The disease affects the liver in such way that it ceases to 
perform its function In secreting healthy bile, and as a con- 
consequence digestion ceases. There appears to be an ex- 
cess of aeid in the crop, gizzard, and bowels, but we cannot 
tell exactly what produces it. Some of it may be the conso 
quence of indigestion, and it is quite probable that the 
liver secretes what is known as vitiated bile, which often con- 
tains a large amount of acid. 

The symptoms and the morbid condition of the internal 
organs are of such a nature as to suggest the probability 
that a virulent poison is the cause of the disease, but Just 
how it acts on the system to produce such results is un- 
known. The toxical effect may be sufficient to cause con- 
gestion of the portal veins, and a suspension, or perversion 



14 TEE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



of the hepatic function. When such a condition of the sys- 
tem becomes established, there might be a tendency to pro- 
duce /aZ^e hypertrophy of the liver — that is, an enlargement 
of that organ and a morbid condition of its structure. 

Tanner says : "Hepatic circulation is affected by so many 
different agencies that congestion, or undue accumulation 
of blood in the vessels of the liver, is a morbid state fre- 
quently met with. Moreover, it is tjie initiative step in 
many of the structural and functional diseases of this or- 
gan." 

Softening and enlargement of the liver, as well as con- 
gestion of that organ are some of the prominent post-mortem 
evidences of chicken cholera. 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 15 




The Prevention o! Cholera. 

lAj of the preventive measureg that I have to reoom- 
, mend are based on the theory of its cause, and they 
will be presented under three heads. 



I. PKEVEKT THE CO-OPEKATING CAUSES. 
The greatest men of ouf age, or of any other age, would 
never have risen to gieatnees and to the performance of 
wonderful deeds, bad they not been surrounded by favora- 
ble and aiding influences. Thig statement is made to illus- 
trate the views that I entertain on the question of ourjabili- 
ty to prevent chicken cholera. 

Some suppose that this disease is like the wind that 
bloweth, that we may see its destructive effects, but that 
we cannot tell whence it cometh, or whither it goeth. But it 
has already been shown that this is not the case. This dis- 
ease has a specific cause, but certain conditions and influ- 
ences are generally necessary to act as co-operating causes. 
These conditions and causes are under our control, and we 
can permit them, or prevent them just as we choose ; and 
it will be shown in the proper place that these remarks will 
also apply to the specific cause. 

It must bo understood that preventing the co-operating 
causeSf simply means that fowls shall have that management 
and care that their circumstances and nature requires. 

Keep close to the requirements of nature^ and there will be 
no cholera. 



16 TEE CHICKEN CIIOLEMA 



During hot weather fowls should be provided with Bomo 
suitable place where they can resort for shade, for the ex- 
treme heat of the summer has a debilitating effect upon 
them ; and it stimulates the liver to excessive action. In 
cold weather they should have warm and comfortable 
rooms. Fowls should be kept free from lice, for a lousy 
hen is already diseased and in just the condition to invite 
an attack of cholera. 

The practice of keeping fowls too closely confined is very 
weakening; Exercise and fresh air are the conditions that 
are necessary for good digestion and active circulation of 
the blood. 

Their food should be wholesome and in sufficient variety, 
such aa wheat, oats, fresh meat, cooked vegetables, warm 
mush, and but very little dry corn, especially in hot weath- 
er. The foundation of disease is often laid in over-feeding. 
Fowls that are over-fat, or lean, are unhealthy, and the best 
condition to keep them in is in "good working trim." They 
should have a plenty of pure fresh water, clean gravel, 
ground bone, and an anti-acid ; the latter may be furnished 
to fowls by giving them charcoal, old plaster and crumbs of 
lime from a slacking box. 

It is not necessary to continue these remarks further, but 
it must be understood that all causes of debility and ill 
health must be prevented, and that fowls should have such 
care and mangement as their nature requires. When fowls 
are fledging, and moulting, as well as during hot weather, 
and at many other times, they need extra care. At such 
times they should have tonics, and aids to digestion. The 
"Douglass Mixture" is one of the best tonics known, and it 
is also a stimulent to the liver. Three or four days in each 
week put one ounce of this mixture into every gallon of 
water the fowls drink, or it may be mixed in their feed. 
The mixture is made as follows ; Copperas 1 lb. dissolve in 



PREVENTIVE AND EXTERMINATOR. 17 

2 gallons of warm water, then stir in 1 ounce of Oil of Vit- 
riol and jug for use. The "Chicken Powder" is made as fol- 
lows : Copperas, Cayenne pepper, Sulphur, and Rosin, of 
each four ounces, pulverize and mix in their feed three or 
four times each week. Dose, 2 spoonfuls for every dozen 
fowls. 

The above remedies are of great value and all wishing to 
prevent the cholera will do well to use them freely j not as 
a specific for that disease, but as tending to prevent or 
modify many of the aiding causes. They are valuable 
remedies because they place the fowls in that condition 
where their resisting powers will be increased, and conse- 
quently less likely to take the disease. 



IL PEE VENT THE FORMATION OF THE SPE- 
CIAL CAUSE. 

To avoid a repetition the reader is referred to the remarks 
on the "specific cause" of this disease, but it may be prop- 
er to say that the disease is of such a character that we are 
justified in concluding that it originates from a specific cause. 
This conclusion is a fair deduction from the principles of 
medical science. The specific cause that I have suggested 
is entirely adequate to produce the disease, and my theory 
can be supported by more evidence than can be brought to 
support any hypothesis whatever. 

The questions that are now before us are of considerable 
importance. Can we prevent the formation of the specific 
cause of chicken cholera? If so, how can it be done ? The 
first question I answer in the afllrmative ; the second is an- 
swered by saying : Prevent the conditions that are neces- 
sary to its production ; and this idea will be further illus- 
trated by the following plan. 



18 TEE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



If fowls must be confined, their yards should be on high 
and diy ground, with a good exposure to sun and air; and 
they must be sufficiently large and be kept clean and 
wholesome. It is necessary to often strew fresh lime over 
the ground, and the soil should be turned over occasionally- 
Beware of throwing feed on the ground, especially if it 
(the ground) has been fouled by a flock of hens. The bet. 
ter plan is to feed in clean boxes or troughs. If grain is left 
laying around on the ground it will soon become sour and 
unwholesome. These remarks properly belong to the pre- 
ceding subject, but as they were omitted, they are inserted 
here. 

The fowl house must he so arranged, and have such fixtures 
and such management that it will not furnish the conditions nec- 
essary to the production of the poison. 

After having read the remarks on the conditions required 
to produce the poison, most persons will know how to pro- 
ceed to prevent its formation, but we will give a few direc 
tions. 

The fowl-house should be on high and dry ground, and 
properly arranged for the comfort of the fowls. It should 
front the south and be provided with windows for the ad- 
mission of light and the warm rays of the sun. Beware of 
having the house dark and damp, for evil lurks in such pla- 
ces. 

It must be roomy and completely ventilated. A number of 
openings near the floor for the admission of fresh air are 
necessary, and also in or near the roof for the escape of 
gases and the emanations from the bodies of the fowls, 
•phe doors and windows should often be left open, fresh air 
must be admitted to dilute and disperse the emanations. 
The house and yards should not only be roomy, but be kept 
clean and wholesome. 



PBE VENTI VE AND EJ^TEEMINA TOE. 19 



It will be necessary occasionally to use disinfectants, and 
the reader is referred to the remarks which will be made 
on that subject in the appropriate place. 

The number of fowls kept shovld be proportioned' to the size 
of their house and the extent of their range. Here is where 
many have made a mistake. The consequence of over- 
crowding is the production of a large amount of emana- 
tions from the bodies of the fowls, and when sufficiently 
concentrated the specific poison will be generated. A roost- 
ing room eight feet square may be large enough for twen- 
ty-five fowls, but it would be unsafe for fifty to be housed in 
a room of that size. But it must be understood that the 
term "over-crowding" is not to be exclusively applied to 
tbe number of fowls in the roosting house, for it also ap-' 
plids to the number kept together on a c'ertain extent of 
range. The size of the flock should be proportioned to the 
extent of range and other conveniences, but there is a lim- 
it beyond which it is unsafe to go. But it is safe to say 
that large numbers of fowls may be kept by observing in 
due proportion the conditions of success with a few. They 
may be kept in large flocks if they are skillfully managed 
and have extended conveniences, but the better plan is to 
divide them into flocks of fifty or less. 

Remarks on this subject are closed by saying that space, 
ventilation, cleanliness, and disinfection, are the conditions cf 
success in attempting to prevent the formation of the spe- 
cific cause of cholera. And if these conditions are complied 
with to the extent that nature requires, it will be as imnossi, 
ble for the cholera poison to be generated, as it is for the 
cause of intermittent fever to be produced in a non-malari- 
ous locality. 

It forms no part of my plan to make an extended argu- 
ment, or to give my own experience, in order to prove or 
to illustrate my viewa. 



1 



ib THE CHIGKEN CHOLERA 

In a work of this size every idea must be presented brief" 
\y^ and the reader is cautioned to not be led into the error of 
thinking that because some things have been presented in 
BO few woids that they are of but little importance. 

Every suggestion that has been made in reference to pre- 
venting the special cause, should bo considered as of great 
importance though they may be but briefly referred to. 

In concluding our remarks on the subject of preventing 
cholera, it is proper to state that by preventing the co-op- 
erating causes, it is almost certain that the disease will bo 
prevented; and that by preventing the formation ot the 
Special cause, the disease will be impossible. 

And I wish to say further, that if the aiding causes are 
not all prevented, there can be no cholera unless the specific 
cause is produced. The aiding causes will produce other 
diseases, but they are not capable of producing cholera. 

There will be instances where, from lack of judgment or 
persevering effort, the specific cause will be produced. The 
plan to adopt in such case will be found under the next 
head. It will consist of a summary of the preceding direc- 
tions, and such additional remedies as may be necessary to 
prevent the disease. 



III. DIRECTIONS FOR PREVENTING THE CHOL 

ERA. 

1. Remove the "co-operating causes." 

2. Give tonics, liver stimulants, and aids to digestion. 
To accomplish those objects give the ''Douglass Mixture," 
and the "Chicken Powder" freely. 

3. Give the fowls more space. This may be accomplish- 
ed by diminishing the number of fowls, or by increasing 
the area of their range, and of their houses. 

4. The poultry house should be thoroughly ventilated an^ 



PRE VEN TIVE AND EXTERMINA TOU. 21 

be kept clean and dry. 

5. The Ouildings, yards, and places of resort should bo 
thoroughly disinfected. 

6. Give the fowls a ''preventive,"— an agent that will de' 
stroy, or render inert, the poison that they have taken into 
their system. There is no agent known that will accomplish 
this as quickly, and so effectually, as Coal Oil, 1 have an 
experience with coal oil that gives me an assurance that 
it is a valuable remedy, and a reliable "preventive." 

The preceding directions, and the coal oil, is all that I 
wish to recommend as "preventive." If the latter is faith- 
fully used nothing else will bo needed. I could have easily 
collected from various sources a score or two of receipts 
and made a great parade of them, but it would have only 
tended to bewilder and to mislead the reader, for in most 
cases sueh receipts are unreliable. The coal oil should be 
given three or four times a week as follows : Take a feed- 
ing of corn or wheat and let it soak in the oil a few hours, 
then feed it to the fowls. 



22 THE CHICKEN CHOLERA 



1 > 



Extermination o! Cholera. 

IKS subject will be presented under the heads of exter- 
minating the disease from the premises, and tha treat- 
ment of the disease. 



I. HOW TO EXTEEMINATE THE DISEASE FKOM 

THE PKEMISES. 

1. Eead the remarks under "Prevention of Cholera," and 
all of the directions that refer to the "co-operating causes," 
"tonics," "li^er stimulants," "aids to digestion," "space, 
and "ventilation" must be complied with. 

2. Bury the dead and hurry up the dying so as to get 
them out of the way ; and confine the affected by them- 
selves. The disease is not very contagious, but it is suffi- 
ciently so as to make a separation necessary. 

3. As has been stated put the whole flock sick and welb 
under treatment ; giving them not only the "Douglass Mixt - 
ure" and "Chicken Powder," but coal oil should be given 
freely, 

4. Use disinfecting agents that will remove the poison from 
the buildings and the yards. There are a number of such 
agents, and some of them are probably effective by destroy- 
ing the specific poison by chemical action. 

The fumes of burning coal tar and sulphur are of consid- 
erable importance in purifying an infected building. A 
mixture of tar and sulphur should be poured into a kettle 



PRE VENTIVE AND EXTERMINA TOR, 23 



that has been filled with fire and corn cobs. Place this in 
the building and close the doors and windows. It is im- 
portant that the building be completely filled with the 
smoke for one or two hours. 

Fresh lime is of great value and should be freely used. 
Whitewash the building, and strew dry lime over the floors 
and yards. 

Perhaps for general use Carbolic acid is as good a disin. 
fectant as can be obtained. It is convenient to use and is 
effective. A saturated solution of the acid should be 
sprinkled around in the buildincc and in the yards. 

One of the most reliable of disinfecting agencies known 
to experienced investigators, is dry heat. There are many 
instances where medical men have had recourse to this agen- 
cy for the purpose of purifying infected buildings, such as- 
pest-houses, hospitals &c. As it will occasionally be con- 
venient to resort to this method of purifying an infected 
fowl house, 1 will give the necessary directions. Build a 
hot fire in the house and close the doors and windows so as 
to retain the heat. Continue the heating for two hours, 
and until the room is about as hot as an oven. A tempera- 
ture from 200^ to 260° Fah., will destroy the specific cause 
of chicken cholera. 

A number of the disinfectants mentioned should be used 
and repeated daily, the coal oil given freely and cholera 
will be "exterminated." 



11. HOW TO TKEAT THE DISEASE. 

1: Confine the affected fowls by themselves and keep 
their rooms disinfected with carbolic acid. 

2. Give no food except warm mush and soaked bread. 
The crop and bowels are in such a deranged condition that 



24 TRE GEIGKEN CHOLERA 



bard feed will aggravate the disease and prevent a cure. 

3. Give coal oil every da^ to counteract the poison. The 
best way to administer it is to pour it down the fowl with 
a spoon. I have known severe cases of the disease to be 
cured by giving a teaspoonful of the oil at one dose. 

4. Give 5 grains of bi-carbonate of soda twice a day to 
neutralize the excess of acid; 

5. The disease is of such a nature as to indicate the ne- 
cessity of a purgative and alterative remedy to unload the 
congested blood vessels of the liver, and to cause that organ 
to perform its double oflSce of separating impurities from 
the venous blood, and of secreting bile necessary to digest, 
ion. The irritation of the intestinal canal should be re- 
duced, and the distressing tenesmus relieved. 

To meet these indications the "Cholera Pills" should b© 
used. They are made as follows : Blue mass 60 grains, 
pulverized camphor gum 25 grains, Cayenne pepper 30 
grains, tincture of opium 60 drops. Mix and make into iQ 
pills. Give one of these pills every five hours until they 
act freely, after that one a day, for two or throe days, will 

be sufScient. 

Opium is the only astringent remedy that should be giv- 
en to fowls that have the cholera. After discontinuing the 
use of the pills, the "Chicken Powder" and "Douglass 
Mixture" should be used every day. 

Many seem to think that the important thing to do, in 
order to cure chicken cholera, is to administer powerful as- 
tringents to check the diarrhea, but that is only doctoring 
the symptoms, not the disease, and such treatment will 
generally be injurious and often prevent recovery. A more 
rational treatment is to neutralize the excess of acid, coun- 
teract the poison, unload the congested blood vessels of 
the liver, correct the wrong action of that organ so that it 



PRE VENTl VE AND EXTEBMINA TOR'. 25 

will secrete healthy bile which is neccessary to digestioD, 
and allay the irritation of the crop and bowels. After the 
'^Choiefa Pills" have had a sufficient action, if the diarrhea 
continues, give a teaspoonful of Castor Oil or enough to 
act freely, and then give ten to twenty drops of Tincture of 
Opium three or four times a day or as often as may be nec- 
essary. 

Fowls sometimes die from Apoplexy, from heart disease, 
from excessive heat, from internal tumors and from many 
other causes, and such deaths are often attributed to chol- 
era. These remarks are made because I do not wish the 
above remedies to sink into disrepute for not preventing 
or curing diseases for which they are not adapted, and 
not reccommended. To be effectual in curing cholera, the 
remedies must be employed in the early stage of the dis- 
ease. 



26 TEE CHICKEN CHOLESA 




The Conclusion. 

'E have taken the position that the cholera poison is 
produced from the concentrated emanations from 
the bodies of fowls, but I wish to add a remark or two so 
that I may be clearly understood. When fowls are in a 
low unhealthy condition, it is quite probable that the chol- 
era poison will be produced more readily than when fowls 
are healthy and freo from the influences of all causes of ill 
health. 

The directions for treating the sick fowls are brief 
There will be no necessity for employing any remedies ex- 
cept those which have been presented, for it is believed 
that they are based on the nature of the disease, and on 
the correct theory of its cause. The treatment is therefore 
based on rational and scientific principles, and I would advise 
the "Chicken Powder," the "Douglass Mixture," and the 
Alkali to be given every day, to the sick, and well, during 
cholera times. Also the coal oil should be faithfully employ- 
ed. The sick must in all cases be confined in a comfortable 
and wholesome room, and when prostration comes on they 
should have a stimulent, such as brandy or whiskey, in 
teaspoonful doses. 

I do not propose to cure every case of cholera. I claim 
to be able to prevent it, and to exterminate it: And it is also 
claimed that the above treatment will cure most cases, if 
they are taken in time. It is further claimed that if fowls 



FEE VENTIVE AND EXTERMINA TOE. 27 

have the management and care that I have insisted on, they 
will not only be free from cholera, but will bo more healthy, 
will lay more eggs, and bo more profitable. 

If this little work shall meet with tho favor of my broth- 
er poulterers, and if it shall tend to advance the poultry 
interest by bringing a feeling of security from cholera, 
my desires will be attained. 



28 APPENDIX. 




W. H. Todd's Views. 

>R. W. H. Todd has kindly favored mo with some of 
his views on tho subject of Chicken Cholera, and, al 
though they were not designed for the public, yet as his 
words will have a weight that I cannot hope my own will 
have, 1 take great pleasure in having the liberty to give to 
the public, through this channel, the following extracts from 
his letters : 

"I know but little about cholera from practical experi- 
ence. I believe half that Is called cholera is something else 
I think we err in housing too close and not giving exercise 
enough, and in exhausting tho digestive organs hy feeding 
too muchj especially to mature fowls. I am now of tho 
opinion that we can stay and prevent most contagious dis- 
eases by understanding fowls' needs, and by proper mange- 
ment. I don't think any of my birds ever had the disease; 
but once or twice they had a touch of something very near 
it. I checked it by usinsj daily, carbolic acid disinfectants in 
the houses, and by getting all the fowls out, and building 
hot fires in the houses after closing them up tight, and 
''purifying by fire" daily for an hour; I believe in a dry 
dirt floor four to six inches deep, and in keeping tho houses 
clean, and often whitewashing them as a preventive. 

I have dissected fowls that have died suddenly with the 
symptoms of cholera, and found the disease affected the di- 
gestive organs and liver, the latter in most cases being as 



APPENDIX, 29 



tender and easily broken as Jelly, more or less enlarged, 
and much congested. The liver appeared to be torpid ; bile 
not being discharged sufficiently to aid digestion, and there 
seemed to be too much acid in the bowels, and gizzard, 
both being filled with greenish matter: This being the 
case, powerful aperient and alterative remedies were indi- 
cated for a cure. I tried Blue Mass and Calomel whenever 
I saw a hen |looking pale, and refusing to eat, or moping 
about. I give one or two grain doses of calomel twice a 
day, or twice as much blue mass mixed with about the 
same quantity of cayenne popper, and one half the quanti- 
ty of camphor gum with a little flour and castor oil for pill- 
ina:. These remedies I have used with excellent results. 

As 1 have not had much experience with cholera I can- 
not give much information about it, but I believe 1 can 
handle it, and prevent it." W. H. Todd. 

Vermillion, 0. 

The cause of cholera is not referred to in Mr, Todd's let- 
ters, and 1 have no definite information as to what his 
views are on that subject, but from his remarks about 
''purifying the fowl houses with fire," I am led to infer that 
his views do not differ very much, if any at all, from the 
theory that has been presented in this work. Fearing that 
cholera had made an attack on his lusty Cochins and Brah- 
mas, he goes to battle ; and disinfectants and hot fires were his 
weapons. Those powerful agents were employed to accom- 
plish a special purpose ; and that purpose must have been 
the destroying, or rendering inert, an invisible poison which 
he supposed was present, and which was the cause of the 
disease that he dreaded. I can easily believe that Mr. Todd 
has correct ideas, as to the cause of cholera, for it appears 
that his fowls have had such management, and have been 



30 appendix:. 

so faithfully protected by his chosen loeapons, that only 
"once or twice have tuey been touched" with anything 
that resembled cholera. That, is a good showing; and 
what has been done by one, can be done by others. If the 
measures recommended in this work are employed by poul- 
try breeders and farmers intelligently, faithfully, and per- 
severingly, cholera will soon be exterminated fi-om the 
land. 



APPENDIX. 31 



Poultry Journals. 



IHERE was, an unintentional omission in not giving due 
'credit to the Poultry Journals for many valuable ideas 
that have been of service to me in preparing this work 
and I now hasten to do them justice. 

We would urge upon all Poultry Breeders, and upon farm- 
ers and others who raise fowls, the importance of taking a 
Poultry Journal. This work will go into the hands of 
many who will be glad to take a journal of that kind and 
for their benefit the following list of Poultry Journals is 
compiled. 

The Poultry Nation, W. H. Todd, editor, Vermillion, O., 
monthly, 50 cts., per year; The Poultry Pecord, C. VV. Hea- 
ton, editor, Farmington, Ills., monthly, $1 per year ; The 
Swine and Poultry Journal, Ward and Darrah, editors, Cedar 
Eapids, Iowa, monthly, $1,25 per year; The Poultry Argus, 
Miller and Clinton, editors. Polo, Ills., monthly, $1 per 
year ; Northwestern Poultry Journal, T. T. Bacheller, editor, 
Minneapolis, Minn., monthly, 11 per year ; Poultry World^ 
H. H. Stoddard, editor, Hartford, Conn., $1,25 per year, 
monthly; National Poultry Journal. C. C. Carpenter, editor 
Minneapolis, Minn., monthly, $1 per year ; The Fanciers' 
Journal, Jos. M. Wade, editor, weekly, Philadelphia, Pa., 
$2,50 per year. 

Make a selection of the one you want and send direct to 
the Editor. They arc all valuable journals, and ably con- 
ducted. 




6i 



BLACK COCHINS. 

A. J. HILL, PROP'R, 

And Author of the 

Cholera Preventive and Exterminator J ^ 

I am breeding a few choice fowls of the following varieties; 



Buff CocWnsr Jones & Green, ^ Todd strains 
Black Coc]iins,-Pliilander Williams' strain. 
Brown Legliorns,-Todd stock. 



Shipped to any point, and warranted to arrive in good condition and to be as 
represented. Any one interested in fine towls, and wishing to visit my yards 
are cordially invited. I will not be har(3 to find, for, 

As you go east from Burbank, 

A half a mile, may be, 
Our coops on wheels, and painted yards. 

You cannot fail to see. 



AGENTS WANTED for the Cholera Preventive and Exterminator. 
Liberal terms to all Poultry Breeders who wish to obtain copies of this book 
in large quantities for their customers. Single copy sent to any address for 
50 cents. Wholesale price given on application. Send stamp for price list 
,of Fowls and Eggs. Address, A. J. HILL, 

Burbank, Wayne Co., Ohio. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 858 311 4|| 



